Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month Alerts Women to the Importance of Early Detection and Prevention

It’s important to know about your family’s history of breast, ovarian, uterine, and colon cancer. These can be genetically transmitted through either your mother or father.

Every hour, about 10 women learn they have a cancer of their reproductive organs. In response, September has been designated Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month by the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation. The goal is to draw attention to the importance of early detection and prevention.

“More than 80,000 women—mothers, grandmothers, wives, daughters, sisters, and significant others—are diagnosed with one of these cancers each year,” says Dr. Beth Karlan. She directs the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles . “About 1 in every 20 women develops one of these cancers some time in their lives.”

These cancers are the fourth most common cancers in women. They include cancers of the female reproductive tract. They include ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, vulvar, or tubal cancer. These cancers do not have to be fatal. Early detection and education tools, such as PAP tests and risk assessment tests, can not only detect them, but also prevent them.

4 Ways to Take Control Of Your Gynecological Health

The program’s goal is to show you 4 simple ways to take control of your gynecologic health. By doing this, you can protect your health and your life. Here’s a way to remember the goals of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month.

G – Get to know your family history.

Learn about your family history of breast, ovarian, uterine, and colon cancers. The genetic risk for ovarian cancer can be transmitted through either your mother or father. This makes both family histories equally important. Familial risk is the most significant risk factor for ovarian cancer. Alert your gynecologist about your family history of cancer so you can take preventive steps.

C – Conduct an online risk assessment at www.wcn.org.

Take 15 minutes out of your day to determine your risk for developing one of these cancers. Visit the Women’s Cancer Network (WCN) website at www.wcn.org. Take the free, personalized assessment of your risk for developing cervical, ovarian, uterine, and breast cancer. The WCN website also has information on these cancers, resources for women who have been diagnosed with cancer, and information on cancer experts.

A – Ask questions; educate yourself about gynecologic cancer. 

Educate yourself. Learn the warning signs of these cancers. Know your body. This knowledge is an important step to protecting your health and well-being.

M – Make an appointment for your annual gynecologic exam and Pap test. 

Get an annual gynecologic exam and Pap test. Do this, no matter what your age. Some of these cancers have no symptoms. They can only be found through regular visits to your gynecologist. This regular healthcare routine is critical to maintaining your health.

The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) is a nonprofit, international organization comprised of obstetricians and gynecologists specializing in these cancers. Its purpose is to improve the care of women with gynecologic cancer, to raise the standards of practice, and to encourage research.

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) was established by the SGO as a nonprofit charitable organization. Its goal is to raise funds for philanthropic programs that benefit women who have, or who are at risk for developing, these cancers. The SGO founded the GCF in 1992 as an extension of their commitment to the health and well-being of women.